I know it's been a while since my last blog, but I was busy enjoying my Spring Break. I hope you were all able to do the same. It's always rejuvenating, isn't it? And then when we come back, I learn things like the fact that some of you didn't know Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint are now available as apps... and they're FREE! Get them by clicking on the icons below.

Personally, I had been using Quickoffice Pro HD which synced with cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive to use those products, but since Microsoft has released their apps, Quickoffice has discontinued that service. Nevertheless, if you use Microsoft's SkyDrive and have an Office 365 account, you will be able to work seamlessly from iPad to computer. It's a little disappointing to me since I don't have an Office 365 account, but at least the apps are free. Perhaps later I will decide to purchase a new version of Office, but for now I'll be copying and pasting my work if I'm using my iPad and later a computer. For those of you who do have Office 365, I bet you'll love the new apps. Cheers,Lesley(p.s. FYI, Office 365 Personal is only $6.99 a month or $69.99 for an annual subscription. It is the cheapest option, but there's also the Office Home which would be better for families. Check out the details/differences here: http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/products/compare-microsoft-office-products-FX104165233.aspx?WT%2Eintid1=ODC_ENUS_FX101785584_XT104187042 )

About the Author

Lesley is an English teacher who is passionate about using connectivism in the classroom and preparing students and teachers for using the tools that are available to them on a regular basis. This blog will focus on iPad apps and Web 2.0 tools that can enhance and diversify learning. Leave a comment and let me know what you think or what you'd like to learn about!